Mapping Dynamic Indicators of Quality of Life: a Case in Rosario, Argentina

Mapping temporal changes of quality of life conditions reflecting the well-being of individuals, communities and urban areas has the potential to identify spatial patterns and trends towards prosperous and just societies. This paper presents an approach to map and to compare quality of life variations in time and space across districts and neighbourhood areas of the city of Rosario (Argentina). Census data (1991, 2001 and 2010) have been used to map and trace the trajectories of neighbourhood areas in relation to objective quality of life conditions. As a result, trends in improving the quality of life and reducing inequalities between neighbourhood areas are visualized. Three main outcomes have been found: divergence, convergence and maintenance of the status quo. The paper concludes reflecting on the emerging patterns and critically exploring how these mappings and representations can be used to better inform policy makers and potentially improve community well-being.